Earth and Planetary Sciences ETDs

Publication Date

5-16-1950

Abstract

This thesis presents details relating to the discovery of three meteorites, as well as information concerning their acquisition, description, and mineralogy. These three meteorites are the Lalande, New Mexico chondrite (E.C.N. = 1047,343), the Yonо̄zu, Japan chondrite (E.C.N. = 1394,380), and the Glorieta Mountain, New Mexico siderite (E.C.N. = 1058,356).

The Lalande, New Mexico meteorite is composed of olivine and enstatite (var. hypersthene), with small percentages of enstatite-clinoenstatite intergrowths, secondary hematite, and dispersed metallic grains. Alteration to iron oxide has produced a strong stain over most of the component grains. The meteorite is classified as a hypersthene-olivine chondrite (Chy).

The Yonо̄zu, Japan meteorite is composed of olivine and enstatite (var. hypersthene), with small percentages of enstatite-clinoenstatite intergrowths, secondary hematite, possible diopside and anorthite, and metallic grains. A very strong coating of iron oxide has been produced on many of the non-metallic grains by alteration of the olivine and hypersthene. The meteorite is classified as a hypersthene-olivine chondrite (Chy).

The Glorieta Mountain meteorite is a siderite composed of kamacite, taenite, and plessite, with a small percentage of schreibersite scattered throughout the kamacite. This specimen shows none of the pallasitic areas which have been reported in some other members of this fall. The meteorite is classified a medium octahedrite (Om).

Degree Name

Earth and Planetary Sciences

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

First Committee Member (Chair)

Carl Wellington Beck

Second Committee Member

J. Paul Fitzsimmons

Third Committee Member

Lincoln LaPaz

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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